NRA-PVF Endorses John Barrasso for U.S. Senate in Wyoming

Friday, September 28, 2012

Fairfax, Va. – The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is endorsing John Barrasso for U.S. Senate in Wyoming.

“John Barrasso has a proven record of defending the Second Amendment,” said Chris W. Cox, chairman of NRA-PVF. “Because of his strong support of our rights, John Barrasso has earned an “A” rating and endorsement from the NRA-PVF.”

While serving in the U.S. Senate, John Barrasso voted against anti-Second Amendment Supreme Court Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Elena Kagan, and joined the historic briefs filed before the U.S. Supreme Court in District of Columbia v. Heller and McDonald v. City of Chicago, which argued that the Second Amendment guarantees a fundamental, individual right to keep and bear arms for all law-abiding Americans. He also voted for the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity amendment, which would have ensured that law-abiding Americans with a valid concealed handgun permit would have been able to carry a concealed handgun in any other state that does not prohibit concealed carry. And Senator Barrasso signed two bipartisan letters opposing any international treaty by the United Nations or any other global organization that would impose restrictions on American gun owners.

In contrast, John Barrasso's opponent, Tim Chesnut, clearly opposes the rights of gun owners. Chesnut supports reinstating the failed Clinton gun ban and supports banning gun-ownership in the District of Columbia, even for self-defense. He also believes in requiring multiple sales reporting of long guns, which would allow the federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, which is responsible for such failed programs as Operation Fast and Furious, to circumvent the will of Congress. As a result, Chesnut is rated “F” by the NRA-PVF.

“The choice in this election is clear. John Barrasso will support our Second Amendment freedoms and hunting heritage. Tim Chestnut will not,” continued Cox. “We urge all NRA members, gun owners, and sportsmen in Wyoming to vote John Barrasso for U.S. Senate on November 6.”

Chris W. Cox is NRA's chief lobbyist. He also serves as chairman of NRA-PVF. The National Rifle Association Political Victory Fund is responsible for political candidate ratings and endorsements. These are based on candidate voting records, public statements and responses to NRA-PVF questionnaires.

Established in 1871, the National Rifle Association is America's oldest civil rights and sportsmen's group. More than five million members strong, NRA continues to uphold the Second Amendment and advocates enforcement of existing laws against violent offenders to reduce crime. The Association remains the nation's leader in firearm education and training for law-abiding gun owners, law enforcement and the armed services. Be sure to follow the NRA on Facebook and on Twitter @NRA.

The NRA Political Victory Fund (NRA-PVF) is NRA's political action committee. The NRA-PVF ranks political candidates — irrespective of party affiliation — based on voting records, public statements and their responses to an NRA-PVF questionnaire.

Paid for by NRA Political Victory Fund (www.NRAPVF.org) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

WHAT THE GRADES MEAN ×

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The NRA-PVF is non-partisan in issuing its candidate grades and endorsements. Our decisions are not based on a candidate's party affiliation, but rather on his or her record on Second Amendment issues. The NRA is a single issue organization. The only issues on which we evaluate candidates seeking elected office are gun-related issues.

Indicates an NRA Endorsed Candidate.

A+

A legislator with not only an excellent voting record on all critical NRA issues, but who has also made a vigorous effort to promote and defend the Second Amendment.

A

Solidly pro-gun candidate. A candidate who has supported NRA positions on key votes in elective office or a candidate with a demonstrated record of support on Second Amendment issues.

AQ

A pro-gun candidate whose rating is based solely on the candidate's responses to the NRA-PVF Candidate Questionnaire and who does not have a voting record on Second Amendment issues.

B

A generally pro-gun candidate. However, a "B" candidate may have opposed some pro-gun reform or supported some restrictive legislation in the past.

C

Not necessarily a passing grade. A candidate with a mixed record or positions on gun related issues, who may oppose some pro-gun positions or support some restrictive legislation.

D

An anti-gun candidate who usually supports restrictive gun control legislation and opposes pro-gun reforms. Regardless of public statements, can usually be counted on to vote wrong on key issues.